Many of us have seen someone use a TENS unit, a portable machine that helps to relieve pain. Whether it’s us, a friend, or a loved one, many people have at least some familiarity with TENS. And at first glance, EMS may seem very similar to using a TENS unit.
EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation, does indeed have some similarities to TENS. However, there are some critical differences between the two that are important to understand.
Before we dive into these differences, let’s briefly review what TENS and EMS actually are:
What is TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is a type of therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. It works by sending electrical impulses through the skin to the nerve endings. These impulses help to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
TENS is a non-invasive and drug-free way to manage pain. Some people find that TENS provides relief from pain that other treatments have not been able to provide.
What is EMS?
EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation. It is a type of therapy that uses electrical current to stimulate the muscles. EMS can be used to improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. It can also be used for pain relief.
EMS works by sending electrical impulses through the skin to the muscles. These impulses cause the muscles to contract and relax. EMS is a non-invasive and drug-free way to manage pain, improve muscle function, and promote healing. It may be used in conjunction with other active recovery therapies.
Now that we have a basic understanding of TENS and EMS, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two types of therapies.
What are the differences between EMS and TENS?
EMS and TENS are both types of electrical stimulation therapy. However, there are some key differences between the two.
- EMS is used to stimulate the muscles, while TENS is used to stimulate the nerves.
- EMS can be used to improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. TENS cannot.
- EMS is often used for pain relief. TENS can also be used for pain relief, but it is generally not as effective as EMS.
- EMS is a non-invasive and drug-free way to manage pain. TENS is also a non-invasive and drug-free way to manage pain, though its effectiveness is generally not as strong as EMS.
What are the benefits of EMS?
EMS has a number of potential benefits, including:
- Improved muscle strength: EMS can help to improve muscle strength by causing the muscles to contract and relax.
- Improved muscle endurance: EMS can help to improve muscle endurance by causing the muscles to contract and relax.
- Improved flexibility: EMS can help to improve flexibility by causing the muscles to contract and relax.
- Pain relief: EMS can provide pain relief by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
- Drug-free: EMS is a non-invasive and drug-free way to manage pain.
EMS Therapy in Victoria, BC
If you’re considering electrical stimulation therapy for pain relief, be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional about which type of therapy is right for you. TENS and EMS are both safe and effective treatments, but they work in different ways and may not be equally effective for everyone (or for every type of pain).
Continuum Health Centre
Continuum Health offers a variety of services to help you maintain your health and well-being, including electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Our team of experienced practitioners will work with you to create a personalized treatment/rehabilitation plan that meets your individual needs. To learn more about EMS or any of our other services, call us at 1-778-433-7737 or click here to email us.